David Savastano, Editor07.31.18
For Jonathan Graunke of INX International Ink Co., joining the ink industry back in 1992 was pretty much an accident.
“My start in the industry was actually somewhat accidental,” recalled Graunke, who is VP energy curable technology, research & development at INX. “I was still an undergraduate at the UIC (Illinois-Chicago) doing some research for a professor. Although I still had at least a semester of school to go, he asked if I would do an interview with a company as a favor to fill in the schedule, and to get some practice interviewing.
“It turned out INX was the company, and they offered me a full-time position, while offering to pay for my schooling if my grades were kept up,” added Graunke. “They worked with my schedule to accommodate a full work and class load. I honestly thought it would be a temporary job and the rest is history.”
Graunke’s joining INX as an R&D chemist proved to be fortunate for all concerned. During his 26 years in the ink industry, Graunke has become a leading expert in the energy curable field. He has spent the majority of his career with INX; in 2010, he was promoted to his current position.
Outside of NAPIM and NPIRI, Graunke served as a Board member for RadTech, has been involved with EuPIA and their Food Safety group in Europe, and is a major contributor with numerous other industry groups. He was the recipient of the 2012 NAPIM Technical Achievement award.
Graunke points to many highlights throughout his career.
“This is tough to answer, as there are so many,” he noted. “I have been fortunate to work in so many facets of the industry, from developing heatset, sheetfed and all sorts of UV products to literally running a production mill. Having the ability early in my career to move to our Edwardsville, Kansas facility was a great learning experience, developing products for Hallmark that were a huge success.
“I have sat on the board of RadTech and am proud to represent INX at the EUPIA PIFOOD committee,” Graunke added. “Receiving the NAPIM/NPIRI Technical Achievement Award in 2012 was a big surprise for me at the time, and this year’s Printing Ink Pioneer Award is a real honor. The areas I am most proud of are contributing to the tremendous industry growth in UV/EB technology, and more important, having the ability to develop a tremendously talented staff of chemists and technical experts.”
“Jon is a well-known global expert in the area of energy curable inks, coatings and equipment,” said John Hrdlick, president and COO of INX International Ink Co. “He is involved in organizations in the US and EU related to energy curable products, raw material compliance and food packaging. As a member of EuPIA and NPIRI, Jon can help insure that our company has a voice in how our raw materials and products are regulated in relation to food packaging.”
Graunke said he has been fortunate to have so many people play a role in his career.
“I am very fortunate to have so many people who have helped me in my career development, and I know I cannot mention them all,” he said. “When I started at INX, I worked with Bill Tasker, who taught the importance of data above all, and was lucky to have Roy Coyne as my first boss. In Kansas, Mr. Art Franke was a giant influence, who shared a wealth of knowledge with me as a younger chemist who wanted to debate with him about ink all day. Pete Notti at ISI is an enormous talent and influenced how I problem solve. He really looks at a challenge deeply, and most important with common sense.
“Dave Waller was my key mentor, who brought me back to INX after I left, and of whom I am eternally appreciative for my career development,” Graunke added. “Chris Tucker is a peer that I have worked with since at least 1995, who I deeply respect for his knowledge and management skills. I think we are a great team, and I am able to share ideas to get clarity. Of course, both Joe Cichon and Rick Westrom have allowed me to grow into the position I am at now. Finally, Rick Clendenning has shown tremendous confidence in me. I feel like he trusts me and relies on me. It is hard to describe what that is like…almost empowering. I believe he brings integrity to our industry and has been an influence to all of us.”
Outside of your work, Graunke enjoys travel, golf and skiing.
“My wife would say work is my hobby!,” he added. “Through work, I have traveled and met so many people around the world, and our families have become close, personal friends. I enjoy traveling, I love to golf (someday I may get good at it). I have recently rediscovered how much I like skiing, and I enjoy spending time dining and visiting with people.”
Graunke is deeply appreciative for receiving the Pioneer Award.
“It’s really special to be recognized by your industry peers and being able to share in the experience with Mark Hill and Michael Brice from INX was truly a once in a lifetime event,” Graunke concluded. “Having Joe Cichon win the Ault Award really capped off a great evening and seeing how surprised he was is something I will remember forever. For all of us to be able to share in the awards with our spouses and colleagues…it was simply an amazing honor.”
“My start in the industry was actually somewhat accidental,” recalled Graunke, who is VP energy curable technology, research & development at INX. “I was still an undergraduate at the UIC (Illinois-Chicago) doing some research for a professor. Although I still had at least a semester of school to go, he asked if I would do an interview with a company as a favor to fill in the schedule, and to get some practice interviewing.
“It turned out INX was the company, and they offered me a full-time position, while offering to pay for my schooling if my grades were kept up,” added Graunke. “They worked with my schedule to accommodate a full work and class load. I honestly thought it would be a temporary job and the rest is history.”
Graunke’s joining INX as an R&D chemist proved to be fortunate for all concerned. During his 26 years in the ink industry, Graunke has become a leading expert in the energy curable field. He has spent the majority of his career with INX; in 2010, he was promoted to his current position.
Outside of NAPIM and NPIRI, Graunke served as a Board member for RadTech, has been involved with EuPIA and their Food Safety group in Europe, and is a major contributor with numerous other industry groups. He was the recipient of the 2012 NAPIM Technical Achievement award.
Graunke points to many highlights throughout his career.
“This is tough to answer, as there are so many,” he noted. “I have been fortunate to work in so many facets of the industry, from developing heatset, sheetfed and all sorts of UV products to literally running a production mill. Having the ability early in my career to move to our Edwardsville, Kansas facility was a great learning experience, developing products for Hallmark that were a huge success.
“I have sat on the board of RadTech and am proud to represent INX at the EUPIA PIFOOD committee,” Graunke added. “Receiving the NAPIM/NPIRI Technical Achievement Award in 2012 was a big surprise for me at the time, and this year’s Printing Ink Pioneer Award is a real honor. The areas I am most proud of are contributing to the tremendous industry growth in UV/EB technology, and more important, having the ability to develop a tremendously talented staff of chemists and technical experts.”
“Jon is a well-known global expert in the area of energy curable inks, coatings and equipment,” said John Hrdlick, president and COO of INX International Ink Co. “He is involved in organizations in the US and EU related to energy curable products, raw material compliance and food packaging. As a member of EuPIA and NPIRI, Jon can help insure that our company has a voice in how our raw materials and products are regulated in relation to food packaging.”
Graunke said he has been fortunate to have so many people play a role in his career.
“I am very fortunate to have so many people who have helped me in my career development, and I know I cannot mention them all,” he said. “When I started at INX, I worked with Bill Tasker, who taught the importance of data above all, and was lucky to have Roy Coyne as my first boss. In Kansas, Mr. Art Franke was a giant influence, who shared a wealth of knowledge with me as a younger chemist who wanted to debate with him about ink all day. Pete Notti at ISI is an enormous talent and influenced how I problem solve. He really looks at a challenge deeply, and most important with common sense.
“Dave Waller was my key mentor, who brought me back to INX after I left, and of whom I am eternally appreciative for my career development,” Graunke added. “Chris Tucker is a peer that I have worked with since at least 1995, who I deeply respect for his knowledge and management skills. I think we are a great team, and I am able to share ideas to get clarity. Of course, both Joe Cichon and Rick Westrom have allowed me to grow into the position I am at now. Finally, Rick Clendenning has shown tremendous confidence in me. I feel like he trusts me and relies on me. It is hard to describe what that is like…almost empowering. I believe he brings integrity to our industry and has been an influence to all of us.”
Outside of your work, Graunke enjoys travel, golf and skiing.
“My wife would say work is my hobby!,” he added. “Through work, I have traveled and met so many people around the world, and our families have become close, personal friends. I enjoy traveling, I love to golf (someday I may get good at it). I have recently rediscovered how much I like skiing, and I enjoy spending time dining and visiting with people.”
Graunke is deeply appreciative for receiving the Pioneer Award.
“It’s really special to be recognized by your industry peers and being able to share in the experience with Mark Hill and Michael Brice from INX was truly a once in a lifetime event,” Graunke concluded. “Having Joe Cichon win the Ault Award really capped off a great evening and seeing how surprised he was is something I will remember forever. For all of us to be able to share in the awards with our spouses and colleagues…it was simply an amazing honor.”